extort

/ɛkˈstɔrt/

/ɛkˈstɔt/

Other forms: extorted; extorting; extorts

To extort is to use information or the threat of violence to acquire cash or something else. Extortion is a classic shakedown, a gouge, a squeeze.

Usually it's money someone is after if they're going to extort you for it. Threats of violence and blackmail are probably the two most popular ways to extort a person. It's illegal but surprisingly common. Watch siblings play — older brothers serve no time for extortion.

Definitions of extort

1. verb

   obtain by coercion or intimidation
   “They extorted money from the executive by threatening to reveal his past to the company boss”

   synonyms: gouge, rack, squeeze, wring

   types:

   bleed

   get or extort (money or other possessions) from someone

   type of:

   fleece, gazump, hook, overcharge, pluck, plume, rob, soak, surcharge

   rip off; ask an unreasonable price
2. verb

   obtain through intimidation
   types:

   blackmail

   obtain through threats

   type of:

   take

   take by force
3. verb

   get or cause to become in a difficult or laborious manner
   synonyms: wring from

   types:

   prise, pry

   make an uninvited or presumptuous inquiry

   type of:

   obtain

   come into possession of